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One Color, 4 Uses

Color association can create strong emotional, ideological, and even Pavlovian responses. We react physically and mentally to various colors and shades of colors so it’s not surprising that certain ones often get typecast. We can use that typecasting to our advantage by not only going with the flow, but also by breaking it for a surprise effect that grabs the viewers’ attention effectively.

Today’s color: standard lime green (this particular shade is hex code #94E059, PMS 802 [fluorescent]). Traditionally it is used as a youthful or masculine color. It generally comes out to play in Summer with bright clothing and accessories, and slathered over children’s toys. Lime green is associated with Monster Energy Drinks®, Android™, and Xbox™. Here are two color palettes, each with five colors, that follow traditional uses for lime green:

“Beach Toys” features bright, youthful colors that you might see on well, toys at the beach. This color palette is fresh, fun, and can be used not only in relation to children, but in summery applications and is also rather feminine. The colors used are lime green of course, hot pink, yellow, white, and sky blue.

“Sherbet” is a color palette intended for summer, using the colors of the most popular sherbet flavors: lime, raspberry, orange, coconut, and lemon. Its softness can also be feminine, yet it is still bright enough for children.

Now we’ll look at two color palettes intended for somewhat non-traditional uses. First we have the previously mentioned “Lime in a Suit” color scheme of lime against achromatic shades of grey. This way of using lime green is becoming more popular, as can be seen by a Google image search for “lime green logo.” Usually, however, the green is paired with light or medium grey and white, or simply with black, which is a traditional pairing.

For a feminine look, you could use one of the above color schemes, or you could try pairing lime green with shades of purple or lavender. Green and violet have always been used in tandem, and are a brilliant combination when found in nature. Here, I’ve contrasted lime with a grape color, and added a darker kelly green with lavender for more option. All of this is set against white for the most pop.

Now that we’ve seen some color palettes using lime green, let’s take a look at some ways this color is already being used:

So fear not this versatile color; although not one of the most common (thankfully!), its utility is already well established. You just have to find the right colors on which to play it up in order to fit it to your needs.